Midgets drop final two games to Bulldogs

Midgets start district play Saturday

July 2, 2012

LEMARS - Estherville Lincoln Central wrapped up its regular season with a pair of losses to LeMars on Monday.

The Midgets had their chances in the first game of the twinbill, but fell 7-5 in the contest. LeMars took control in the second game and won 11-1. The Bulldogs ended the night in the bottom of the sixth inning on a three-run home run by Dayton Rand.

Tyler Swanson threw the first game for ELC. He gave up seven runs on seven hits with two strikeouts and three walks.

"Tyler threw a good game and kept us in it," said ELC coach Lee Evans. "We had opportunities."

ELC had five hits in the contest. Gable Bonner was 1-2 and walked twice. Matt Burrell, Justin Frederick and Swanson each went 1-3 while Derek Nieland was 1-4.

ELC's defense played well at times, coming up with a double play in both the fifth and sixth innings. But the Midgets, unofficially, had five errors in the contest.

ELC only mustered two hits off LeMars' Levi Tebrink in the second contest-one each by Burrell and Tucker Milburn.

Milburn took the loss as he gave up 11 runs on 11 hits. He had three strikeouts and four walks.

LeMars ends the Lakes Conference schedule with a perfect record in 14 games. The Bulldogs are 24-5 overall.

ELC (11-18 overall, 4-10 in the Lakes Conference) travels to Emmetsburg for the first round of Class 2A District play on Saturday. Game time is 7 p.m.

"Everyone starts fresh," said Evans. "Hopefully we can play better in all phases of the game than we did last week. If we come ready to play Saturday, anything can happen."

The winner of Saturday's game will play North Union at 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 10 in Emmetsburg.